What is Free Halal Certification?
Free halal certification is a government program offered through the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), which provides full financing for MSMEs to obtain halal certification at no cost.
This program is crucial because starting October 17, 2024, the obligation to require halal certification for food and beverage products will be fully enforced in Indonesia. MSMEs that do not yet have halal certification face the risk of losing market share.
Why is Free Halal Certification in 2024 Important?
- Reducing the Burden on MSMEs – The cost of halal certification can be a burden, especially for small businesses. This program makes it free.
- Wider Market Access – The halal label increases opportunities for entry into modern retail and exports.
- Regulatory Compliance – Complies with Law No. 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantees.
- Consumer Trust – Products with the halal label are more trusted by the public.
👉 See complete regulations at BPJPH
Steps for Obtaining Free Halal Certification
1. Register with SIHALAL
MSMEs register through the SIHALAL system with an OSS (Online Single Submission) account.
2. Select the Self-Declare Path
The 2024 free halal certification program utilizes a Self-Declaration mechanism, whereby businesses declare the halal status of their products themselves.
3. Upload Documents
Prepare your ID card (KTP), NIB (National Identity Card), a list of products, raw materials, and photos of your business location.
4. Verification & Assistance
A PPH (Halal Product Processing) assistant will guide you through completing the documents and ensure the data is valid.
5. Halal Certificate Issuance
If verified, BPJPH will officially issue a halal certificate.
Tip: Use the services of a halal certification assistant with LPH LPPOM to simplify and reduce the potential for halal certification failure.
Become one of thousands of brands that have successfully obtained halal certification with Indonesia’s No. 1 Halal Assurance Body (LPH LPPOM) (formerly LPPOM MUI).
Benefits of Free Halal Certification for MSMEs
- Free Cost – MSMEs don’t need to spend millions of rupiah.
- Increased Sales Value – The halal label provides a competitive advantage.
- Positive Branding – Products gain greater trust and increase consumer loyalty.
- Ease of Distribution – Easier to enter marketplaces, supermarkets, and export.
- Business Sustainability – No fear of violating halal regulations.
👉 Also read: Halal Certification Costs for MSMEs
Purpose of Halal Certification
- Guaranteeing product compliance with Islamic law.
- Providing legal certainty for Muslim consumers.
- Increasing the competitiveness of local products.
- Encouraging MSMEs to upgrade and go global.
Halal Certification Processing Services
Although free programs exist, some businesses opt to utilize halal certification processing services to expedite the process, especially when documentation is challenging to obtain or the company does not meet the Self-Declaration requirements.
Benefits of this service:
- Complete assistance from start to certificate issuance.
- Minimal risk of failure.
- Faster than processing it yourself.
Questions About Free Halal Certification
1. Can all MSMEs participate in this program?
Yes, as long as they meet the Self-Declaration criteria, which include being a micro-enterprise, using halal raw materials, and employing simple production processes.
2. Is there a quota limit?
Yes, BPJPH sets a quota for free halal certification each year.
3. Is the halal certificate valid forever?
No, halal certification is valid for four years and must be renewed.
4. What if my business is a restaurant?
I can participate, as long as it’s micro-scale and has a simple production process.
Challenges in Free Halal Certification
- Limited quota – Not all applicants can be processed immediately.
- Document preparation – Many MSMEs still have difficulty preparing documents according to standards.
- Lack of public awareness – Many business owners don’t understand the benefits of free halal certification in 2024.
Free Halal Certification 2024: Opportunity or Challenge?
The free halal certification program in 2024 is indeed an excellent opportunity for MSMEs. However, due to its subsidized nature, this program has several limitations:
- Limited quota → Many MSMEs ultimately fail to receive a quota.
- Strict self-declaration requirements → not all products meet the criteria.
- Longer process → because they have to wait for their turn to be verified.
👉 This is where many business owners realize: if they wait for a free program, they could lose business momentum.
Why Are Many Switching to Regular Halal Certification?
Even though free programs exist, more and more business owners are choosing regular halal certification because:
- It’s more certain – it doesn’t rely on annual quotas.
- It’s faster – the verification process can begin immediately once the documents are complete.
- It’s more professional – guided by experienced LPHs and halal assistants.
- It’s safer for branding – your business won’t appear to be “waiting for freebies,” but rather a proactive investment in quality.
In other words, regular halal certification is a safe and strategic path if you’re serious about expanding your market and building a credible halal brand.
If you genuinely want to secure the halal market, don’t rely solely on free halal certification. Remember, quotas are limited, requirements are strict, and the timeline is uncertain.
The best solution: register for regular halal certification now. This way, your business will be guaranteed faster, consumers will have more trust, and you can scale up without waiting.
Conclusion
Free halal certification is indeed beneficial for some MSMEs, but don’t let this program fool you. For businesses serious about growing, regular halal certification is a much safer, faster, and more strategic investment.
Remember, halal certification is not just an obligation; it’s a branding tool, a marketing tool, and a ticket to the global market. Don’t wait for the free quota to run out — take the definitive step with regular halal certification now.
